Hamas rallies support for intifada

Anyone thinking about interfering in Gaza’s security is “playing with fire”, the deputy head of the Hamas Political Bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, warned yesterday.

Speaking during the “We are the Intifada” festival, Haniyeh said: “We will not allow for any form of security disorder.” “Do not misunderstand our patience in Gaza; we cannot and will not accept for our people to remain in this state.”

“The heroic operation carried out by the martyr Abu Srour stresses with blood, fire and the gun, that no one can stand in the way of those participating in the intifada, which restored fear in the hearts of the Zionists,” he continued in reference to the Jerusalem bus bombing carried out by 19-year-old Abdel Hamid Abu Srour.

He addressed the occupation, saying, “All of the arrogance shown by your settlers and soldiers will not hinder the blessed Jerusalem Intifada.”

Haniyeh also stated that the victory of the Islamic bloc for the second year in a row in the Birzeit University elections is a clear indicator that the attempts to eliminate or exclude Hamas and the resistance have failed. It is also considered a reaction to the security coordination and the efforts to end the intifada and resume fruitless negotiations.

During the festival, an Al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson warned: “Either the siege imposed on Gaza is lifted or there will be an explosion.”

Exclusive images by MEMO Photographer Mohammed Asad.